So I've realised that I don't know what "frumpy" looks like...

[Blackden]

and therefore there's a very good chance that I am extremely frumpy.
I read the Boden thread with interest.

Can you please describe frumpy? Does it mean baggy and shapeless clothes? At my age I can't be wearing those 'BodyCon' type dresses (not got the figure for them either )
Or can you link me to some frumpy stuff because I just can't visualise it.

And, what's a 'wrong side of 45' woman to do? How can I avoid looking like mutton but not look frumpy?

Anything your mum would describe as smart, is frumpy!

I think most Monsoon print tops are frumpy. Awful colours and foul prints. Plus boot leg jeans and mum boots. Btw I don't think those Clarks spike heels are mum boots these are more like mum boots

OMFG You lot bloody know me!!! This thread is the kick up the arse I've been needing.

To me, frumpy is a pair of jeans with very little style, the sort you see on middle aged women in American sitcoms. Definitely 'mum' boots and fitted fleeces.

But I would describe my look as Librarian chic :o

Oh, and a 'handbag' usually black leather, good quality but no style whatsoever.

These posts are very helpful.

I'm afraid I am guilty of bootleg jeans and I suspect I will wear them forever, or at least as long as they're still available to buy. No other jeans shape suits me. I'm very curvy in a pear shaped kind of way and although I'm somewhat very overweight just now, even when I'm skinny I still have curves ie small waist and big bum/hips/thighs.

The boots of both types - Clarks and Next - YY I am guilty of owning several pairs I will chuck out the wedge ones today. They are beige sued and utterly awful. I may take a pic and add it to my profile so we can all guffaw over it.
I don't know if I can part with the other types though....what I call the 'Chelsea boot' (how very 1960's). No need for a decision today as I don't wear them in the 'summer' so I'll have a rethink in October when I'm planning my winter wardrobe.

I am also guilty of dressing for comfort. And not wearing heels bc I just can't walk in them you see.

I don't wear anything from Next, I hate it these days and last time I bought anything from there was about 5 years ago.

I love the 'does my bum look 40' blog, although she is a very different body type to me being tall and slim, but I love the way she styles her outfits.

I may just go for 'chic and elegant' and resign myself to old ladyhood.

Grown women in "fun" clothes: giant polka dots; "quirky" buttons, etc.

Those comfortable shoes in the fun colours- Hotter?

High round neck t shirts like men's ones ( unless you are very slim and flat chested)

Black trousers and a shiny top for a night out.

O, and the Next catalogue/ads so deceptive- they disguise their frump wear by having really young unusual beautiful models; really annoys me. Not old bats like me- that would show the clothes as they truly are

ps I've just booked to have my colours done. The consultant sounded lovely on the phone and she will do a style session too. Bloody darned £££ but hopefully an investment.

Frumpy means not knowing your style, not having a clue, and either throwing items haphazardly together (not understanding your measurements) or mindlessly copycatting everyone else. Frumpy often equals yesterday's trendy.

For me, being on trend and being stylish are different things. I aim for the latter.

Examples of frumpy:
Jeans that are a bit too short (unintentionally)
"Pizza explosion" patterns
Red boots and sensible shoes, particularly when worn with fading denim
Faded black clothes
Clothes that are too tight or too loose or unbalanced.
Anything that should be ironed but has not been ironed.
Acrylic sweaters.

I wear well some things that might be frump-o-rama on others. I love some really old items in my wardrobe - am trying to wear less high street tat and find more clothes that are always stylish.

Am currently trying to think how to update my bootcuts (well, accessorizing with boots won't be one of them)

Blackden good for you on getting your colours done. It's a great first step to understanding your personal style and I hope you will love it. Once you've got to grips with that, the style day comes very highly recommended. Soon you'll have loads of self confidence and be able to make the right decisions for you, your proportions and your personality. 'tis life changing, and a really excellent investment.

I'm just watching that YT video , can only do 10 mins at a time as I'm supposed to be working
Even I can see that Mayim looked very frumpy indeed at the beginning of the show!

TheSuperstylist - yes please share some of your easy solutions. I'm in need of them!

I am so very very frumpy :( I tick about 70% of the lists given on this thread, I have given up a bit on clothes I think. It makes me sad that I've turned into a frumpy housefrau but I feel so guilty when I buy stuff just for me and to be honest I have not a feck of a clue when it comes to fashion, its easier not to even try! Even more sad is the fact my last three clothing purchases have been from tesco... oh the shame.

I have been gradually throwing out all my naff clothes and soon will end up with nothing to wear, will then need new things but where to even start, wouldnt it be nice to be given £1000 and some excellent advice!!

kiwi I had given up on clothes too, but there's been a restless stirring in me to want to look better, then I saw the Boden thread yesterday and realised I'm so out of touch iwth clothes that I don't know what's in fashion.
In my case I think it's been because I'm considerably overweight and have been unable to shift the fat that's been the main factor in me giving up.
Well I've decided I'm not giving up. I am going to contiue to try to lose weight but I'm also going to look as good as I can while I do it.
It's not easy dressing a size 20 bottom/18top body especially when you're also a short arse like me. Half the time I can't even find that clothes that fit me because my waist is very small in comparison to my hips. And I've got short arms so sleeves always look awful. God I sound like a stunner dont I ??
But I'm determined to start to look better.

I've ordered a couple of basic t shirts from Zara - never even been in one of their shops or even looked at the website before today! Not a huge step because they are just linen v neck tops but it's a start. I'm getting my colours done next week, And I've booked a pedi for tomorrow.

Good for you blackden! Fwiw I don't think bigger=frumpy, it really is about what suits you. Will you tell us what season and style you are when you're done? Is it house of colour or another one?
Enjoy your pedicure!

Umm interesting. I wear linen trousers because they are comfy but think they look good too, NOT frumpy. I wear flat ballet pumps and wedges for comfort too...high heels are simply not practical and painful. Boot cut trousers are flattering especially with a white shirt. isn't being trendy about wearing stykish clothes that fitand adding a few accessories such as handbag and jewellery. Would hate to think I am frumpy :(

ellan yes I'll come back and tell you about season and style. I'll probably keep this thread going for a while as I start to buy some new clothes etc.
The consultant is an independent now but she used to be Colour Me Beautiful. My mum had a colour day with them in about 1986 and it was amazing to see her wearing the right colours. I am pretty sure I'm Autumn - fair skinned, green eyes, auburn hair (before it was grey!) and I tend to look best in shades like olive green, teal blue, brown etc. And heinous in pink. But we'll see what she says.

Good thread.

Zara are cut VVVVV small so beware!

Thanks Pinot. I won't order any skirts and trousers from there then! Tops hopefully should be ok.

Until you get your consultation, start with a manicure and a pedicure and style your hair - take your time to do it really nicely, proper blowdry or straighteners or whatever works for you. I do my hair the same in the day as I would for an evening - after all, I want to look my best no matter what time it is.

I think decent make-up, decent blow-dry and painted nails can go a long way to giving "frump" a good kick up the backside. Plus it's cheap :)

Frumpy means you are more interested in people than appearances,you dress for comfort and convenience unless you are going somewhere special. You don't worry about what others think of how you look but would hate to be seen as mean or small minded. You can go from the park with DC to coffee with friends without a second thought.
I am frumpy and proud :-)

Frumpy is a state of mind.

Um, I refuse to wear anything but bootleg jeans and recently bought a patterned next top. Oh well. TBH, I'm still shedding baby weight so if it fits I'll wear it. I'm now worried that I'm one big overweight frump fest. I think I need to look at that boden thread you are referencing.

Pinot - how do you have the time!?!

boot cut not bootleg! :)